ATHLETE PUTTING HIS PEDAL TO THE METTLE
Spa City native to bike across U.S., building homes along the way
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Gavin Cumming saw an opportunity.
On a whim, he decided to take a trip alone to India at alone to distance himself from the privileges of his life. Over the 10 days, the 2010 Saratoga Springs High School graduate, learned about himself as well the sometimes rough living conditions he witnessed.
Once he returned, he knew he wanted to implement what he experienced into his life. Meanwhile, Cumming further developed a passion for triathlon. In 2017, he completed his first Ironman 70.3 race, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. Cumming put the two passions together, applying for a spot with Bike&Build, a non-profit that bike rides throughout America, stopping at various locations to build homes.
Next month, Cumming and 27 others will bike for
"I believe this kind of work to be boundless, the kind of work you go after because it truly means something. I’m so excited.” — Gavin Cumming
more two and half months beginning in Jacksonville, Fla. The group will have 14 build days as they travel 4,084 miles to California.
“I believe this kind of work to be boundless, the kind of work you go after because it truly means something,” Cumming said. “I’m so excited.”
Bike&Build partners with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together to not only raise awareness for affordable housing but also to actually build houses for those who need it most.
In addition to building homes, Bike&Build thrive to help younger adults.
“It’s also giving young people an opportunity to step up in a leadership position and be put in a place where you are making decisions, you are spearheading these efforts to make a difference. It’s not just someone telling you what to do. It’s you deciding how you want to do it, and make that difference,” said Cumming. “It’s a confidence booster going forward, because it allows you to fully embrace what it means to commit yourself to something.”
Cumming played soccer and lacrosse in high school. He played rugby throughout his time at Union College, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. After competing in various running races, Cumming wanted more of a challenge. He found the challenge in a triathlon.
“One thing that I really took away from it is just committing yourself to something, no matter how hard and difficult it is,” said Cumming. “If you can visualize yourself doing it, then that’s enough just to get going.”
He’ll take the same approach as he bikes between 30 and 95 miles in a given day.
After being accepted, participants must raise $5,000. Right now, Cumming has raised $3,055.00.
His fundraiser page can be found here: https:// www.classy.org/fundraiser/1352317. For Gavin, he saw an opportunity to help others using his passion of physical challenges.
“I’ve thought a lot about what my Bike&Build experience will mean to me, and while I will literally be helping put roofs over people’s heads, I will also be tearing down the metaphorical roof over mine,” Cumming said. “This adventure represents an opportunity to break the ceiling, to go beyond the expectations I have for my life, and be apart of something bigger than myself.”